Highlights of Kerala - Cochin, Thekkady & the Backwaters

Day 1/ Arrival Cochin
Arrive Cochin, meet assist at the airport & transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin covering The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Finally, the Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, is the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of India. Night stay in Cochin.

Day 2 / Cochin-Periyar
Morning drive on a scenic route dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom, cocoa, green pepper and areca nut, to the wildlife reserve at Periyar. Arrive Periyar and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for walk around in the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee plantations. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen. Night stay in Periyar .

Day 3 / Periyar
Morning visit the Western Ghats clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Also view the scented plantations and a tribal village deep in the forest, Late afternoon enjoy a cruise on the lake right in the heart of the wildlife sanctuary. Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise. Night stay in Periyar.

Day 4 / Periyar- Kumarakom
Morning drive to Kumarakom near Kottayam and stay in one of the backwater resorts. Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, crisscrossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. The panoramic backwaters here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy nature at its best. Night stay at Kumarakom.

Day 5 / Kumarakom
Morning cruise on the palm-fringed waterways by private motorboat. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to examine its reflections on the glassy rivers. Everywhere, nature is at its best. An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies is all one can see here. Afternoon at leisure. Night stay at Kumarakom.

Day 6 / Kumarakom-Cochin-Departure
Free until time to transfer to Cochin airport, approx. 2 hours. For nward destination.

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